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Bambi Bucket Marine Recovery Device Manual (Version C)

MARINE RECOVERY DEVICE MANUAL - Version C

Issue Date: JUNE 2009

PLEASE READ BEFORE USING.

SEI INDUSTRIES LTD.7400 Wilson AvenueDelta, B.C. Canada

V4G 1E5

Phone: (604) 946-3131Fax: (604) 940-9566

E-Mail: [email protected]: www.sei-ind.com

COPYRIGHT © 2009 SEI INDUSTRIES LTD. ALL RIGHTS RESERVEDPRINTED IN CANADA

Bambi Bucket Marine Recovery Device Manual (Version C)

Table of ContentsSection 1: Marine Recovery Overview 1

Description ....................................................................................................................1Description ......................................................................................................1Features .........................................................................................................1Specifications .................................................................................................2Components ...................................................................................................3

Section 2: Installation and Operation 4Installation Instructions .................................................................................................4Operating the MRD .......................................................................................................5

Section 3: Safety Checks 6Safety Checklist ............................................................................................................6

Section 1: Marine Recovery Overview Description

Bambi Bucket Marine Recovery Device Manual (Version C) 1

Section 1: Marine Recovery Overview

Description

Description

During firefighting operations, certain emergencycircumstances may require the release of theBambi bucket.

The Marine Recovery Device (MRD) isspecifically designed to decrease the potential lossof Bambi buckets dropped over water sources.Easy to install, the MRD is a cost-effective devicethat will automatically deploy a float, storedinside the MRD, when the bucket hits the water.This recovery float will guide the crew to the exactlocation of the submerged bucket.

Once the Bambi bucket has been retrieved, theMRD can be repacked, ready for the next heli-bucketing mission.

Features

• Easy to install.

• Simple to operate.

• Easy to maintain.

• Re-usable.

• Compact for easy storage.

• Lightweight.The Marine Recovery Device is designed to retrieveBambi buckets that have been released over water.



Specifications

The MRD is available in two sizes which are compatible with the entire Bambi bucket size range.

• MRD-1 (models 6072-4453) includes 400 feet (122 meters) of recovery cord.

• MRD-2 (models 5566HD-HL9800) includes 600 feet (182 meters) of recovery cord.

The standard recovery depth is 400’ (122 m). However, deep water models can be customized to suitspecific operational needs. The MRD is packed within a pouch that is made from mildew resistant material.Each MRD is easily attached with snaps and slip buckles.

The Bambi bucket MRD is attached to thecontrol head or to the longline, if a longlineis used.



Components

12

68

4

5

3

107

9

1 - Breakaway cord2 - MRD pouch ties3 - MRD pouch4 - Primary strap5 - Primary strap connector6 - Primary strap D-ring7 - Buckles8 - Recovery float and cord (not shown)9 - Recovery cord connection10 - Recovery cord shackle

Section 2: Installation and Operation Installation Instructions


Section 2: Installation and Operation

Installation Instructions

These instructions apply to helicopter operators connecting the Bambi bucket directly to the aircraft primaryhook or to a longline.

1. Attach the breakaway cord to a secure part of the helicopter, such as directly to an attachmentpoint on the belly of the aircraft, or to the primary hook. The breakaway cord must be attached toa hard point that will not fall if the Bambi bucket or longline rigging is released. The breakawaycord ensures that the MRD pouch will open and the recovery float will be released when the loadbegins to sink.

2. The primary strap ensures the MRD is attached securely to the Bambi bucket and that the MRDfalls with the entire rigging. Attach the primary strap to the Bambi bucket top shackle or, if alongline is used, through the top loop (thimble) of the longline at the aircraft belly. Pass theconnector of the primary strap through the shackle or thimble and attach it to the primary strap D-ring.

Important NoteWhen using a longline, the MRD must be installed at the point of release, not at the Bambi bucketcontrol head.

Pass the connector of the primary strap through the shackle or thimble and attach it to the primary strap D-ring.

Section 2: Installation and Operation Operating the MRD


3. Attach both of the buckles found on the side of the MRDaround a Bambi bucket suspension line or, if using a longline,attach the buckles around the longline. This ensures the MRDis secure to the Bambi bucket or longline during flight. Tightenthese buckles closely around the suspension line or longline.

4. Attach the recovery cord shackle directly to the samesuspension line or to the longline. Tighten securely.

Operating the MRD

When the bucket is released, the weight of the rigging will break the white nylon straps that secure the MRDpouch closed during normal operation. As the rigging hits the water and sinks, the recovery float, stored inthe top of the pouch, will release. The recovery cord will remain attached to the sinking bucket (or longlinerig) and play out from the pouch (the cord is attached to the float). The float will alert the recovery crew tothe location of the submerged bucket.

The MRD recovery cord can be used to bring the bucket to the surface. Do not haul the bucket out of thewater or tow it with the cord. Pull the bucket out by hand or attach a tow strap to the bottom chain of thebucket shell to retrieve it.

Important NoteIf the bucket is not dropped over water, the float may not be released from the MRD pouch.

Important NoteIf dropped into water that is too deep, the MRD float will not be visible on the surface.

Section 3: Safety Checks Safety Checklist


Section 3: Safety Checks

Safety Checklist

• Check the white nylon straps before every mission. Replace, if loose or worn.

• Check the recovery cord at the bottom of the MRD before every mission. It should be attached and should not be pulled out.

• Check all snaps and buckles for wear and correct operation. Replace, if needed.

• Check all webbing for wear or tears. Do not use if damaged.

• Check aluminium sleeves and nylon flat washers for wear and tightness.

• The breakaway ropes, recovery ropes and float should always be kept dry and inspected annually.

The MRD has been designed to work as a retrieval device for the Bambi bucket. Please consult SEIIndustries for further information on additional applications.

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